Bruce Groves and Ken Wongsomboon, New Zealand
Written in 2007 - The 29th of April 2007 is coming up as the 2nd anniversary of our Civil Union in New Zealand - being the first day anyone could legally join in a civil union in this country. We will most probably celebrate quietly by going out to dinner with a few friends. The media has grown tired of it all now! Civil Unions are so "yesterday" - perhaps one day soon Americans can give gay marriage the same "ho-hum" attitude instead of the "threat to family", etc. that is so often reported. Don't get me wrong, originally same-sex unions attracted the same negative outbursts in this country, but "the threat to families" brigade also get upset about trading on Easter holidays - what about Muslim and Pagan families? And, having a weekend to enjoy "family" activities is a thing of the past as we now have seven day trading, and some banks are even open on Saturdays. I think the only people who "enjoy" a full weekend are government officials and their civil servants.
Ken and I met on the Internet in late 2003, and have been together ever since 13 October - our own day to remember. We live in the suburbs of New Zealand's largest city. We work hard and long, both for minimum wage; we assist financially with the Save Animals from Exploitation charity; we take in the local stary cats and have them neutered to do our bit for reducing unwanted kittens; we recycle all of our waste where possible, and that means composting our kitchen waste into the vegetable garden. We get one day off per week together on which we madly rush around the house to catch up on chores and garden, then we visit a car show or a local gay men?s group for a Sunday afternoon drink. Time permitting, we visit my mother, who has advanced dementia, in the home, or do a little more renovating to her dilapidated house before it can be sold or rented out. All up, we live a pretty "normal" life, much like most family advocates would like to think they live. It isn't their exclusive domain, never was, and never will be.
The government in New Zealand has now implemented partnership tax laws for gay couples, and that includes closing the loophole that enabled gay couples to milk the system for social welfare! We still don't have all the rights that straight married couples can access, but with time things can be changed.
I hope our story can be shared with your supporters and also those that fight against the changes you are seeking, to show them that it will not be the end of the world, that life does go on, and really - what was all that fuss about in the beginning?
Best regards,
Bruce Groves and Ken Wongsomboon, New Zealand
